Creative Arts Napier

12/10/2026

Through Our Eyes — A LensLife Collective Exhibition | Fotofest 2026

This exhibition brings together work by photographers from across New Zealand who are part of LensLife, a supportive photography membership focused on creativity, growth and connection.

The exhibition celebrates the many different ways photographers see and interpret the world—from landscapes and wildlife to quiet moments, personal stories and creative experimentation. Each photograph reflects an individual perspective, while collectively the work represents what LensLife is all about: learning together, finding your photographic voice and recognising that there is no single “right” way to see.

LensLife- ‘Through Our Eyes’
FOTOFEST 2026
CAN Small Gallery
28.09.26-22.10.26

FotoFest Photography Festival Hawke's Bay

09/10/2026

Slow down, stitch, and get creative this spring! ✨

This relaxed, hands-on workshop with experienced tutor Kath O'Halloran is all about exploring embroidery techniques, colour, texture, and intuitive design in a supportive environment. There's no pressure to create a finished piece, just time to learn, experiment, and enjoy the process. Whether you're completely new to embroidery or simply looking to reignite your creative spark, this workshop is for you!

📍 Creative Arts Napier | 16 Byron Street, Napier
🗓 Tuesday 3rd November 2026
🕐 1pm to 3pm

🧵 All materials provided
✨ No experience needed
☕ Refreshments included
👥 Spaces are limited, so book early!

👉To find out more and secure your spot - Go to the link on the image, or head to the CAN website (link in bio)

08/10/2026

Time becomes the art in 'Solargraphy' by Jenny Tomlin.

Presented as part of FOTOFEST 2026, this compelling exhibition uses pinhole photography to capture the movement of the sun across the landscape, revealing patterns and traces invisible to the human eye. Don’t miss out on these extraordinary photographs!

"I am interested in exploring natural cycles; the seasons, tidal flow, mould growth or water leakage and what is breaking down inside the camera while the image grows. Introducing disruptive elements and opposing dualities." - Jenny Tomlin

Jenny Tomlin - ‘Solargraphy’
FOTOFEST 2026
CAN Workshop Space
28.09.26-22.10.26

FotoFest Photography Festival Hawke's Bay

07/10/2026

Spaces are still available in the CAN Christmas Creatives Market 2026! 🎄✨

Are you a local artist, maker, designer, or creative entrepreneur? We'd love to hear from you! The CAN Christmas Creatives Market is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and sell your work and connect with shoppers searching for unique, locally made gifts.

👉To apply, email [email protected] with a brief intro and some details about your products or artwork. Photos, website links, and social media pages are welcome but not essential.

We can't wait to see the amazing talent you'll bring to this year's market!

📆 27 November 2026 - 13 January 2027
📍Creative Arts Napier - Main Gallery | 16 Byron Street
🌟 Opening Night: Friday 27 November, 5-7pm - Free entry, all welcome!

✨For more info, head to our website (link in bio)

06/10/2026

Some adorable four-legged friends have taken up residence in our small gallery! 🐾

As part of Fotofest 2026, CAN is delighted to showcase the work of professional pet photographer Kirsten Hough of Wort & Flea.
Kirsten’s exhibition captures everything we love about our furry companions: the fun, the adventure, the character and, of course, the unconditional love. Expect beautiful outdoor scenery alongside bold, colourful and personality-filled studio portraits.

📸If you’ve ever wondered how to get a really great photo of your own dog, don’t miss Kirsten’s FREE Artist Talk this Saturday!

📅 Saturday 10th October 2026
🕚 11am
📍 CAN Small Gallery | 16 Byron Street, Napier
🎟️ Free entry

Come and see the exhibition, meet Kirsten and pick up some tips for capturing your own canine companion!

Kirsten Hough - ‘Capturing the Love’
FOTOFEST 2026
CAN Small Gallery
28.09.26-22.10.26

FotoFest Photography Festival Hawke's Bay

05/10/2026

🎨 Draw | Paint | Craft
🖌️ Term 4: October 15th – December 3rd 2026
📅 Thursdays | 3.15pm – 4.45pm
👉 Ages: 8–13
📍Creative Arts Napier | 16 Byron Street, Napier

🌈 Our popular After School Art Club is the perfect place for little artists to explore their imagination, learn new skills, and have fun in a supportive and creative environment. Each week, we'll dive into a different artistic medium, style, or craft project, discovering new techniques while building confidence and creative expression.

👉For more info and to register - head to the link on the image, or to the CAN website (link in our bio)

✨Book now to secure a spot and join the Art Club!

🌟Guest Tutor - The first half of this term will be led by Sallie, who has run a few of CAN's recent school holiday workshops. Our usual tutor Dallas aka Miss Rainbow will return for the second half 😊

02/10/2026

🌙 Art on the Green - Nuit Blache Night Market

As darkness falls and the city lights begin to glow during Nuit Blanche – Art After Dark, the lawn outside St John's Cathedral will transform into a vibrant marketplace celebrating Hawke's Bay creativity. Browse handmade jewellery, artisan products, original artwork, skincare, ceramics, chocolates, gifts and more from talented local makers.

✨ Saturday 3rd October 2026
✨ 5.30pm – 10.00pm
✨ Cathedral Green, Hastings Street
✨ Family friendly
✨ Free entry
✨ Shop local and meet the makers

Find the full list of vendors on the CAN website (link in bio)

01/10/2026

Martin Parr’s 'Small World' presented by Milford comes to Napier for FOTOFEST 2026.

FOTOFEST 2026 celebrates the enduring legacy of one of photography’s most influential figures, Martin Parr, with a presentation of his landmark series Small World at Creative Arts Napier (CAN).
Known for his colourful, witty photographs of tourists around the world, Parr’s work captures the humour, quirks and shared experiences of travel. Small World is one of his best-loved series and offers a fascinating look at how we explore the world—and ourselves.
The exhibition is one of more than 60 free exhibitions taking place across Hawke’s Bay during FOTOFEST 2026, celebrating photography in galleries, public spaces and unexpected places throughout the region.

🌟While you're out enjoying Nuit Blanche this Saturday October 3rd, be sure to stop by CAN between 5.30pm-10pm for a free screening of the documentary 'I Am Martin Parr'. Discover the life and work of one of the world's most influential photographers between exploring the other exhibitions, activities, and Night Market in Napier's C*D.

Martin Parr - ‘Small World’
FOTOFEST 2026 Exclusive
CAN Main Gallery | 16 Byron Street, Napier
28.09.26-22.10.26

FotoFest Photography Festival Hawke's Bay

29/09/2026

These little artists had a blast today making foam clay creations and experimenting with watercolour paint as we kicked off CAN's school holiday programme!

Some spaces are still available on our Thursday and Friday workshops, check them out below 👇

🖌️ Thurs 01 Oct | 10am-1pm | Paint It & Pass It | Ages 7+ | $40
Collaborate with other young artists as paintings travel around the room, growing into unique artworks created together.

🌈 Thurs 01 Oct | 1.30pm-3.30pm | Afternoon of Art | Ages 5+ | $40
Explore a variety of art materials and techniques while creating your own unique artworks in a fun, relaxed environment.

📚 Fri 02 Oct | 10.30am-12.30pm | Mini Book Binding | Ages 7+ | $40
Learn simple bookbinding techniques to design, stitch and decorate your very own miniature handmade book.

🌱 Fri 02 Oct | 1pm-3pm | Beaded Pot Plants | Ages 7+ | $40
Create a colourful beaded plant in its own little pot and take home a cheerful keepsake that never needs watering.

Book now:
👉 Click the link in our bio!

All materials supplied • Limited spaces available • Registration is essential

28/09/2026